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Tributes paid to Southwest Airlines founderHerb Kelleher, the chairman emeritus and founder of low-cost US carrier Southwest Airlines, has died aged 87. The airline described him as “a pioneer, a maverick, and an innovator”.

“Herb's passion, zest for life, and insatiable investment in relationships made lasting and immeasurable impressions on all who knew him and will forever be the bedrock and esprit de corps of Southwest Airlines.”

Now in its 48th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest operates more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 99 destinations in the US and ten countries internationally.

American Airlines chairman and chief executive Doug Parker said Kelleher’s vision “brought the freedom of travel to hundreds of millions of people”.

“His style presents the ultimate case study for airlines or any service company whereby if you take care of your people, they will take care of your customers, which will take care of your shareholders.

“That simple yet profound way of leading continues to inspire us, and we aspire to honour Herb’s example. Today we lost an industry icon, a legend, and a friend whom we will never forget. Thank you, Herb, you made us all better.”

Herb has been quoted as saying, “It is my practice to try to understand how valuable something is by trying to imagine myself without it.” We now have to imagine ourselves without Herb. #HonoringHerb

Qatar Airways takes stake in China SouthernQatar Airways has taken a 5 percent stake in China Southern Airlines by purchasing shares on the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock markets. The deal represents the Gulf carrier’s first major investment in mainland China.

“China Southern Airlines is one of the most prestigious airlines in the Chinese domestic market and an important market player in the world, with massive potential for cooperation in the future,” said Akbar Al Baker, chief executive of Qatar Airways.

“Given the complementary strengths and resources of each of China Southern Airlines and Qatar Airways, there are opportunities for us to work together and build a long term relationship in ways that would bring benefits to customers of both airlines.”

Oneworld member Qatar Airways also has a 20 percent stake in International Airlines Group, 10 percent in LATAM Airlines Group, 49 percent in Air Italy and 9.99 percent in Cathay Pacific.

Ryanair receives AOC for UK subsidiaryRyanair has been issued with an air operator certificate (AOC) for its UK subsidiary, which will allow it to operate UK domestic and UK to non-EU routes in a post-Brexit environment.

“The risk of a ‘no deal’ Brexit in March is rising, and despite our robust post-Brexit structures, including our post-Brexit plan around European ownership, we continue to call for the UK and EU to agree a transition deal from 31 March 2019, so that any disruption to flights and British consumer summer holidays in 2019 can be avoided.”

Neeleman’s latest venture and JetBlue firm up A220 ordersThe start-up airline led by David Neeleman, founder of JetBlue Airways, has signed a firm order with Airbus to purchase 60 A220-300 aircraft. The proposed carrier, code-named Moxy, agreed to buy the jets at the Farnborough International Air Show in July 2018.

“The A220-300 is the right airplane for a new airline that will be focused on passenger service and satisfaction,” said Neeleman. “The A220’s ability to operate profitably in thin, underserved markets across a broad spectrum of ranges is unique.”

Separately, Airbus has confirmed that JetBlue has firmed up an order for 60 A220-300 aircraft. JetBlue’s existing Airbus fleet includes 193 A320 and A321ceo aircraft in operation, with an additional 85 A321neo aircraft on order.

Four African airlines in alliance talksSouth African Airways, Kenya Airways, Air Mauritius and RwandAir are in talks to create an African alliance designed to improve synergies and increase codesharing opportunities.

The potential tie up will also allow the carriers to better compete against the increasing dominance of Ethiopian Airlines.

“Air Mauritius took the initiative to join forces with three other African airlines in a bid to create an alliance that would develop air connectivity in the region,” Somas Appavou, the chief executive of Air Mauritius, is quoted as saying by Bloomberg.

“In a highly competitive environment, this alliance would allow the potential partners to create a consolidated network using the individual strength of each airline to offer passenger better choice and flexibility.”

VINCI Airports to make £2.9bn Gatwick investmentVINCI Airports is to acquire a 50.01 percent stake in London Gatwick Airport from Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for £2.9bn. The remaining 49.99 percent will be held by GIP.

VINCI said the deal represents “a rare opportunity” to acquire an airport of such size and quality and “fits extremely well” with its long-term investment strategy.

“As Gatwick’s new industrial partner, VINCI Airports will support and encourage growth of traffic, operational efficiency and leverage its international expertise in the development of commercial activities to further improve passenger satisfaction and experience,” added VINCI Airports’ president Nicolas Notebaert.

Gatwick is the second largest airport in the UK, handling more than 46 million passengers per annum and serving 228 destinations in 74 countries.

WOW confirms Airbus A321 saleWOW air is to sell four Airbus A321 aircraft to Air Canada that have been on finance lease since 2014. The disposal, which forms part of the Icelandic low-cost carrier’s ongoing restructuring plan, will improve WOW’s liquidity by more than $12m.

In December 2018, the airline announced it would reduce its fleet from 20 to 11 single-aisle Airbus jets and confirmed a new schedule would be implemented in January. Changes to its network include dropping the newly launched service to Delhi, as well as flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

WOW remains in talks with Indigo Partners about an investment deal.

Aeroflot appoints PanovAeroflot has named Andrey Panov is its deputy chief executive of strategy and marketing. He has joined the airline group from consulting firm Bain & Co.

While at Bain he played a key role in developing Aeroflot’s Strategy 2023, which aims to grow passenger numbers to between 90 and 100 million by 2023. He also helped to develop the strategy for Aeroflot’s low-cost carrier Pobeda Airlines.

The route development forum for the AmericasIndianapolis, Indiana• 4 - 6 February 2020

About The Author...

David is responsible for providing insight to the Routesonline community through the latest breaking news, as well as regular features and analysis on developments and trends within the sector. He previously spent 11 years as a business journalist, which included five as the editor of an award-winning digital news team.

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